Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This dish is a delightful blend of creamy indulgence and nutritious freshness. The tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, paired with vibrant broccoli florets, and tossed with al dente penne pasta. The luscious garlic cream sauce coats every bite, bringing comfort and elegance to your dinner table. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.

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📝 Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or blanched frozen)

• 200 g penne pasta (about 2 cups)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes).

3. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water.

4. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

2. Season with salt and black pepper on both sides.

3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

4. Add chicken breasts and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

5. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil or a small knob of butter.

2. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).

3. Lower heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well.

4. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the sauce. Toss until well coated.

2. Slice the chicken breasts and arrange them on top, or mix them into the pasta.

3. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestion

Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread. A crisp garden salad makes a refreshing pairing.

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🌟 Cooking Notes

• For extra richness, replace olive oil with butter when cooking the chicken.

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

• Substitute broccoli with spinach, asparagus, or peas if desired.

• For more protein, add crispy bacon bits or sautéed shrimp.

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❓ Related Questions

1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with 1 tsp flour or cornstarch mixed into a little cold milk.

2. How do I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream, and reduce oil by half.

3. Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, but cream-based sauces thicken as they sit. If reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta.

5. What other seasonings work well?
Italian seasoning, thyme, or a dash of nutmeg complement the creamy sauce beautifully.